What type of antidepressant is typically associated with the risk of serotonin syndrome?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are primarily associated with the risk of serotonin syndrome due to their mechanism of action, which involves the inhibition of serotonin reuptake in the brain. By blocking the transporters responsible for serotonin reabsorption, SSRIs increase the levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission. While this is beneficial for treating depression and anxiety disorders, it can lead to an excessive accumulation of serotonin, especially when SSRIs are used in combination with other serotonergic medications.

Serotonin syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, agitation, muscle rigidity, rapid heart rate, and in severe cases, it can lead to fatal outcomes. The risk increases with higher doses, rapid dose escalation, or when SSRIs are combined with other medications that also raise serotonin levels, including certain over-the-counter supplements and illicit drugs.

Other antidepressant classes, such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, may have their own respective side effects and overdose risks but are less commonly associated with serotonin syndrome compared to SSRIs. For instance, while monoamine oxidase inhibitors can cause hypertensive crises when combined with tyramine-rich foods or certain medications, they do not primarily contribute to serotonin syndrome